Hey, newcomers, got a resolution?

Attention Charlotte-area newcomers: Did you move here in 2008? And do you have a move-related resolution for 2009? Maybe it’s to find a job, buy a house, sell a house, make new friends or even leave.

I'd love to hear what you're resolved to do here -- for a possible story or blog post. Please contact me at 704-358-5179 or abaldwin@charlotteobserver.com. Be sure to leave your name and daytime phone number. Thanks.

Holiday traditions in Charlotte?

Hey, newcomers -- and oldtimers, too -- here's today's question: What holiday traditions are you establishing -- or have you carried on for a long time -- here in the Charlotte area?

Since moving here five years ago, my husband and I have a few. For Thanksgiving, we always celebrate with our friends in Cornelius -- assuming everyone is around and nobody is having a baby as happened one year. And except for two years when I made the bad decision to get an artificial tree, we always go to the same Christmas tree lot.

But my favorite tradition that's emerging -- holiday tea with my toddler daughter. For the past two years, we have met up with my friend Stephanie and her same-age daughter. Stephanie and I went to high school and college together in Ohio. I love having a friend from back home and we both enjoy seeing our kids pal around.

Special thanks to The Tea House in Cornelius for putting up with and even doting on two 2-year-olds yesterday.

Please share your holiday traditions. Thanks.

Hey, someone left the lights on

I saw the McAdenville Christmas lights last night. My husband and I thought our two-year old daughter would enjoy it and we think she did. She kept pointing out the lights and decorative snowmen.

But I have to say I expected more from Christmastown USA. I had never been, so I can't compare this year's display to previous years. So was it just me? Or is it overhyped?

Impressed or distressed by uptown?

I went to the Neil Diamond concert Friday night at Time Warner Cable Arena. (Loved it. Click here to read about it.)

Anyhow, driving into uptown I was struck by how many people were walking around -- with places to go and things to do. Certainly, many were in town for Diamond. But many others were heading to the opening night of "The Nutcracker" at the N.C. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or opening night of the EpiCentre Theaters.

I am not a Charlotte cheerleader, but I'm not one to dog the city I live in either. Neither extreme is my style. But I have to say the uptown scene has changed A LOT since I moved here five years ago. Just that short while ago there was no basketball arena uptown and no Epicentre (mixed use entertainment, office and condo complex on East Trade). There were way fewer condo buildings, night clubs and upscale steakhouses, too.

My husband even remarked that it would now be possible to work and live uptown without a car. We never would have said that five years ago after moving from New York City. But think about it. Plenty of entertainment options and the aforementioned condo boom. Need to get groceries or shop at a big box store? In addition to the Harris Teeter that's been next to Fifth and Poplar for a while, there's now Trader Joe's at Metropolitan (just take public transportation). There's also big boxes, such as Target and Best Buy, there, too.

What do you think of uptown today? Plenty to do? Wish there was more? Comment here or send me an e-mail at abaldwin@charlotteobserver.com. Thanks.

How to have fun with the grandkids

A reader e-mailed recently looking for suggestions for what to do with the grandkids between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I responded with today's column.

But as soon as I filed the story and it was edited, I stumbled on one more idea and wanted to pass it on. It's something I plan to take my toddler daughter to. Singing bears at Founders Hall.

I'm talking about the Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra. Every year these bears perform Christmas classics, such as "Jingle Bells" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," -- for free. My friend Stephanie always takes her kids and says it's a hit. For more info, including hours, click here.

Are you a newcomer from Florida?

Hey there, hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Despite having the worst cold ever, I had a great holiday with my husband, kid and parents visiting from Ohio.

Now today's question: Are you a recent newcomer -- say in past year -- from Florida? If so, I need to talk to you for a story. Please e-mail me at abaldwin@charlotteobserver.com. And please include your name and daytime phone number. Thanks!